HRC Unveils 1,300-HP Hybrid Honda Passport Baja Spec Trophy Truck — Automotive

Honda Racing Corporation has revealed the Passport Baja Spec, a state-of-the-art trophy truck featuring a twin-turbo V-6 and an 800-volt hybrid system. The vehicle will debut publicly at SEMA before competing in the 2027 SCORE Baja 500.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has introduced the Honda Passport Baja Spec, a cutting-edge trophy truck designed to compete in the top class of the 2027 SCORE World Desert Championship. While the vehicle shares its name and front-end styling with the mainstream Honda Passport crossover, it is a purpose-built racing machine that shares no mechanical components with the production SUV. This new entry marks a significant milestone as the first hybrid vehicle to enter California's premier off-road endurance racing series.

The truck is powered by a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 2.4-liter V-6 engine derived from Acura's ARX-06 IMSA race car. This powertrain is paired with an advanced 800-volt hybrid system featuring a lightweight battery pack with a carbon-fiber shell that protects pouch cells similar to those used in Formula 1 racing. Together, the system generates over 1,300 horsepower, which is sent to all four wheels via a front-mounted five-speed gearbox, an all-wheel-drive transaxle, and dual rear driveshafts.

HRC highlights several technological innovations integrated into the Baja Spec, including dual-axle brake-by-wire, adaptive traction control, and AI-deployed power management. The vehicle's exterior is wrapped in a Red Bull livery over a carbon-fiber body, while underneath lies a 145-gallon safety cell constructed from carbon Kevlar by Mason Motorsports. To optimize aerodynamics, the design incorporates side channels behind the front wheels and tunnels around the cab to reduce drag.

The suspension system features custom long-travel components with Fox racing dampers, supporting large Toyo tires at all four corners. A backup set of tires is mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, HRC has positioned fixed-mass components such as coolers, batteries, and fluid tanks in the rear to improve weight distribution and lower the center of gravity for enhanced handling.

Although the Honda Passport Baja Spec was first revealed at a private event in downtown Los Angeles, it will make its public debut next week at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The truck is scheduled to make its competitive debut in June at the 2027 SCORE Baja 500, where it will be driven by two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies.

Sources: Car and Driver.